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Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Barry Bonds: Why Does America Hate The Negro Home Run King?

The venerable Todd Boyd contributed a wonderful must read to Page 2 on ESPN today. And, of late, a must read on Page 2 is about as common as a Negro not named Tiger at Augusta National.

Dr. Boyd indoctrinates us on the intricacies of race and how it relates to public perception of Barry Bonds' home run chase. He illustrates the trials and tribulations that faced Henry Aaron during his own home run record chase. The hate mail he received, the fact that the Reds would not honor Aaron's request for a moment of silence before a game on the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's death and general national feeling of resentment over a Negro replacing Babe Ruth at the top of the home run mountain.

He then goes on to illustrate that race is factor in Bonds' current chase, despite the fact that 30 odd years have passed since Aaron assumed the apex of the list.

A recent ESPN/ABC News poll suggests there is a racial divide in the nation around people's attitude towards Bonds and his attempt to set the new home run mark. In the last few years, we have been treated to grand jury investigations, congressional hearings and best-selling books, all of which have placed Bonds at the center of a much bigger steroid controversy in baseball. This being the case, in spite of all the speculation to the contrary, it has never been proven that Bonds is guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs.Dr. Boyd brings forth the oft proven proposition that whenever a Negro reaches the top of his field, there is a concerted effort by those not in the Negro community to bring that person down. He goes on to describe the unwavering attack on bringing Bonds down: the Grand Jury investigation, the investigative reporting efforts, congressional hearings and all the books written on the subject. All this effort to bring Bonds down, yet no interest in playing by the Golden Rule of the American judicial system. Innocent until proven guilty. Bonds has not tested positive for anything, and as we post this, has been convicted of nothing.

Bonds now finds himself incarcerated in a prison of racial suspicion, animosity and resentment. One imagines that this resentment will be most evident on that day in the near future when Aaron's record finally falls.And this would certainly seem to be the case. Particularly since the polls broke down sentiment towards Bonds breaking the home run record almost completely along racial lines. It seems logical that the white participants weighed Bonds Negro-ness heavily in their desire to see Bonds' ultimate record setting be qualified with some sort of caveat or to be completely ignored by MLB.

One of the reasons that Bonds has never been accorded the benefit of the doubt is because of his personality and his public persona. Whereas Aaron was always a humble gentleman who had grown up in the segregated South, Bonds is a second-generation baseball prodigy who has often come across to many as entitled, selfish and disrespectful -- a poster child for the stereotype of today's overpaid, self-indulgent black athlete. In times past, some would have called Bonds an "uppity Negro." In today's parlance, though, Bonds might best be described by Ice Cube's moniker, "the n----- you love to hate."Again, this is probably reflected in that poll. An unapologetic Negro. We can think of few things that the white man finds as infuriating. The fact that there have been incredible piles of evidence suggesting more than an unwitting participation in the BALCO scandal are irrelevant here. This is clearly about skin color and about whites being miffed at Bonds' attitude.

At the end of the day, it would be great to see people put away their childish racial resentment of Barry Bonds and give the man his due, but as an adult I have no illusions that this is going to happen.

And we call for the same thing. Put race aside. Treat Barry with the respect that should be accorded to such an historic accomplishment. Bud Selig should put his racist tendencies aside and be on hand to celebrate this awe inspiring feat. The color of Bonds' skin shouldn't matter. Selig should be sitting right next to Hank Aaron when Bonds hits the record breaking home run. He should be standing next to him when a proud and joyous Hank Aaron, in an act of solidarity, shakes Barry's hand, hugs him and congratulates him on this once in a generation happening. Anyone not willing to give Bonds his due certainly can be characterised as childish and racist.

We'd call for one more thing in all this. Fairness and equality. Bonds hasn't failed a drug test and has not officially been implicated in any way. All we ask is that he be treated the same way a white super star home run hitter would be treated if the powers that be suspected his numbers were tainted.

It's hard to believe. We live in a country in which there is a legitimate Negro contender for the presidency, yet Barry Bond's can't get his due because of the color of his skin.

Aaron's attitude towards Bonds must be sui generis. It is his record, which he paid a great price to achieve, that Bonds will surpass.

His reaction, if it's negative, may be exaggerated because he has his own personal reasons to dislike Bonds -- maybe all Bondses. He may believe, or wish to believe, with or without substantial foundation, that Bonds cheated. He has said little on the subject, so supposition is speculation.

It's certain, however, that Henry Aaron's feelings towards Barry Bonds are irrelevant to the poll data and to the supportability of inferences drawn from it.

Of course, your ability to argue in support of anything is not in question. But it's hardly needed now. Few thoughts posted here require more support than the poll data provides. But one implication, in a response, strays from reasonableness: That Aaron's feelings about Bonds are 1) well known 2) well understood and 3) susceptible to the same analysis and interpretation as aggregate data on responses to standardized questions is.

"That Aaron's feelings about Bonds are 1) well known 2) well understood and 3) susceptible to the same analysis and interpretation as aggregate data on responses to standardized questions is. "

Sir-

1) Aaron said he won't be present.2) Won't be present means he isn't going to be there.3) The data can be interpreted to mean that a lot of people aren't supportive of Bonds. Not showing up to show support for Bonds can be interpreted as not being supportive of Bonds.

People hate Barry Bonds because Bonds ha a history of treating fans poorly and as peons, but then he whines that he can't understand why the fans don't love him. Oh yeah, and the whole using steriods thing is not exactly helping his cause either. But don't play the race card when it is not warranted.

It is reasonable to believe that the soon-to-be-ex HR king's intent not to be present for HR 756 indicates a lack of enthusiasm for the Bonds endeavor. It is tendentious to suggest that Aaron's feelings are similar in content to those of a red-faced spittle monger who tells the pollster he "hopes Bonds falls short." Aaron may have his own reasons, and those may fall outside the scope (and inferences) of the poll. That's all I'm saying.

Perfectly clear. People don't respect Barry Bonds. Barry Bonds is black. Therefore anyone who does not respect Barry Bonds MUST be a racist. Barry's own actions and lack of respect for everybody, however, get a pass. I get it. Everything is now crystal clear.

"It is tendentious to suggest that Aaron's feelings are similar in content to those of a red-faced spittle monger who tells the pollster he "hopes Bonds falls short." Aaron may have his own reasons, and those may fall outside the scope (and inferences) of the poll. That's all I'm saying."

Sir, did you read the poll?

Ostensibly, the overwhelming reason for hoping Bond fails is the suspicion of steroid use.

The implication of a racial divide on the poll is based on belief or him using or not. Much like the OJ case.

Going back as far as 2004, Aaron had this to say, ""The only person who can do that is the good Lord. But, at that age [40], you have to ask: Did he accomplish all of this by rejuvenating his strength from day to day with those substances? I know that when you reach a certain age, you just don't bounce back as quickly as you think you can when you're playing all of those games.

"Drugs won't help you hit the ball. But can they make you recuperate consistently enough to hit the kind of home runs that these guys are hitting?"

Sounds like Aaron has a problem with Bonds connection to steroids, no? And the folks who are against Bonds in the poll connect their negative attitude towards his breaknig the record...to...surprise...his connection to steroids.

Thereby, we can effectively suggest that Hank Aaron HAS in fact voiced a similar sentiment to the spittle mongers.

Big Mac was a red haired freak now that you mention it, with or without a neck. Bonds actually shaves his head because he's a redhead and he didn't want to be a black man with red hair, who could like a person like that with or without steroids?

DOJ has visited this site? I'm envious. All I got was centcom.mil. Sure, my visitor could kill your visitor, but then your visitor would sue the pants off of my visitor. So you win, again. Stupid NOIS.

Very poor. Michael Jordan? Tiger Woods? Ladanian Tomlinson? All the greatest at what they do or did, all non-whites, all respected and loved for what they have accomplished as athletes. Why? Because they are not embittered, nasty, self-important idiots who more than likely cheated to achieve greatness. That person would be who? Barry Bonds, of course. The color of his skin has nothing to do with it.

You are right to point out that my comments could just as easily be pointed at white athletes such as Roger Clemens or Pete Rose or Bill Romanowski, or perhaps Latino athletes such as Sammy Sosa or Rafael Pameiro. We could probably come up with a long list of many athletes from a number of different ethnic backgrounds that they could apply too. The point is, their ethnicity is not the issue.

You say that MJ, Tiger, & Ladanian are 'non-threatening' while I simply see them as hard-working and most importantly, they love the game. I enjoy watching someone like Allen Iverson for the same reasons, who I guess, may be less 'white friendly' in most eyes, I don't know. I don't know any of these men personally so saying that I admire them would be incorrect, I appreciate them and their talents.

Now Barry has never seemed to love the game or anyone or anything in it but himself, and doesn't seem to care if you know it. That is fine, it is his choice, but I choose to not like him because of it. I also choose to believe that he cheated, just as I believe McGwire and Sosa did. For that reason I will not celebrate his breaking of Hank Aaron's record like I did, most regrettably, for both McGwire and Sosa.

Finally, when I say 'very poor' all that I meant was that the idea that the only reason people weren't celebrating Bonds was his race, seemed weak. I mean, there are a lot of reasons not to like him other than the fact that he's African-American.

"I enjoy watching someone like Allen Iverson for the same reasons, who I guess, may be less 'white friendly' in most eyes, I don't know."

Sir, you get no currency for this statement. You didn't bring up the "thuggish" type athlete til we mentioned the white-friendliness of the guys you mentioned. ONLY then did you try to go for the "I like the one that act Black, too". Pshaw, we say. Pshaw. That is the equivalent of the "i have a black friend, so I am not racist" agrument. Only YOURS is AFTER the fact. For shame.

"Now Barry has never seemed to love the game"

Please, tell us what exactly Barry told you. We'd love to know what he told you that made you say that. Or...or...do you say that because of how he is portrayed and characterised in the biased white media?

'I believe McGwire and Sosa did. For that reason I will not celebrate his breaking of Hank Aaron's record like I did, most regrettably, for both McGwire and Sosa."

You mean you believe NOW that McGwire cheated back during that season. Clearly, if you rooted for him, you chose not to believe the rumors back then. And they were plentiful. YOU gave him the benefit of the doubt. Something you refuse to do for Barry. What can one conclude? You give the whitey the benefit of the doubt, but root against the Negro. And yet you don't see how this appears to be racist? You seem smart. I'm sure you will admit that it appears racist.

"I mean, there are a lot of reasons not to like him other than the fact that he's African-American."

Interesting way to put it. "Other than"...you realize that reads like "in addition to", right? So, you are saying...you don't like him because you feel like (based on how the racist white media has portrayed him) that he doesn't like baseball, that he has cheated (although he never failed a test and has been convicted of nothing), and you don't like him....oh, all these are the OTHER reasons to dislike him, besides his being a Negro.

I'm sorry I have expressed my opinions so poorly, "other than" to me, does not mean "in addition to". My whole basis in responding to your article in the first place was to express the feeling that race being the reason baseball fans are not happy about Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's record was misguided.

Again, I don't know any of these men personally so I base my opinions, regarding sports, on what I see on the field/court, which is inadequate, to say the least, to make any true judgement on a man's character. The same can be said about discussing sports on a blog, over the internet. I don't presume to know you or the life you lead and would never think to associate you with any group, let alone one as hideous as the Ku Klux Klan.

"Dude, they put that face on in front of the cameras and then go back with the bro's and talk about you Devils like the plague."

Sir, bruh...that reminds me of that David Chapelle joke...you know...the one about old Willie the Negro janitor at work. All the white people love him, cause he is friendly and nice to their faces. But old Willie HATES them.

An aside - I like Hank Aaron's stance. It seems to me that of all the people who might understand Barry Bonds 'persecution,' it would be Aaron. The fact that he does not seems to me further indictment of the soon-to-be-King.

BTW, we are very impressed with your choice of athletes. All non-threatening and white friendly. Men who mold their public image to suit the needs of the white audience.

How bold of you to admire them

you talk out of both sides of your ass..i mean mouth...to defend a low life like bonds you have no problem ripping quality athletes like jordan and tomlinson...calling them in essence "uncle toms" for doing things in a classy way. but again it is no shock you look up to the wrong people in your community. All this blog is is a chance for you to spew your hatred for white people...you watched one too many spike lee movies.

so what exactly does that mean...that they speak well..carry themselves with class....dont place a premium on wearing tons of expensive jewelry when the kids most likely looking up to them are poor...what exactly is white friendly? it is a way for you to insult these players...white friendly=uncle tom.

"so what exactly does that mean...that they speak well..carry themselves with class....dont place a premium on wearing tons of expensive jewelry when the kids most likely looking up to them are poor...what exactly is white friendly? it is a way for you to insult these players...white friendly=uncle tom."

Sir, white friendly=uncle tom to YOU.

That is YOUR choice to call them that.

Additionally, you ever heard Jordan when a mike wasn't in his face? You ever seen him in Chapel Hill when he is there visiting and out with the "boys"? Believe me, MJ talk ebonics with the BEST of them. And the cat rocks HUGE diamonds in his ears and 100K watches. Don't act like you know! Cause ya don't!

Additionally, you ever heard Jordan when a mike wasn't in his face? You ever seen him in Chapel Hill when he is there visiting and out with the "boys"? Believe me, MJ talk ebonics with the BEST of them. And the cat rocks HUGE diamonds in his ears and 100K watches. Don't act like you know! Cause ya don't!

First of all i am sure the last thing that MJ would be doing is hanging out with you in his free time...if he wanted to hang with a malcolm X wannabe he could hang with Spike Lee himself. Secondly it is sad that you put down even your most successful so called "brothers". They accomplish goals you could never even dream of so you bring them down by saying they are slaves to white corporate america. you are pitiful...how about trying to get your community to emulate its successful members instead knocking them down...

That ain't uncle tommin'. That's pimpin'.It is also the white mans fault that in your community use of the term "pimpin'" is a positive....good role model.

"First of all i am sure the last thing that MJ would be doing is hanging out with you in his free time...if he wanted to hang with a malcolm X wannabe he could hang with Spike Lee himself. Secondly it is sad that you put down even your most successful so called "brothers". They accomplish goals you could never even dream of so you bring them down by saying they are slaves to white corporate america. you are pitiful...how about trying to get your community to emulate its successful members instead knocking them down..."

oh i get it because helen keller is blind...that is very original..your comedy is as lame as your social views.If what MJ is doing is PLAYING white america, more of you should do it. He has been successful and charitable..used great talent to achieve and has never accused anyone of holding him back...it would be alot better if more played that way.

You know him. The guy the Braves' made look like a jackass.

you keep saying this but you are wrong..as soon as Jesse is involved you just wait for the action the accused will take to make the issue go away. The braves found the cheapest and quickest way to make the situation disappear. Again you spin...you have now forgotten that you said hank aaron was in seligs pocket. Now he will fix all the so-called ills of the atlanta braves. Again when any person of any color disagres with you they are labeled. Now Hank is the greatest again...you are a fool. All this will prove is what everyone knows, the braves have always done what they are supposed to do...fill the roster with the BEST talent.

Alex, we'll take "the guy that claims that racism and slavery have no effect on Negro America today and to quite whining and fix things yourself" for 100.

And we'll take the guy who refers to white people as Mr. Chlorox. No sir that doesnt make you a bigot..well done. Or we will take the guy that implies african americans dont have the strength to accept ANY personal responsiblity for their actions....oh wait its the same guy.

"Or we will take the guy that implies african americans dont have the strength to accept ANY personal responsiblity for their actions"

Sir, when was this implied?

When?

Never.

Again. You resort to lies. This has become your modus operandi.

The fact that we point out that 400 years of slavery and racism has had an ill effect on the Negro community is not the equivalent of dismissal of personal responsibility.

If you had two children. And you gave one access to great books and all the resources he needed for a great education. Used your connections to get him a great job. Made sure that he had access to all he needed.

And you had another child that you made live in the basement. Gave out of date books. Didn't allow him to meet or hob knob with people that help his future.

Would you tell child #2, "hey buddy, the fact that your brother is doing well is ALL your fault. how bout taking some personal responsbility in all this."

It's ashame. It's the 21st century. And people so openly flaunt their hatred of Negroes like you do.

Your caustic comments. Your continual comments. Your complete inability to say "well, sure 400 years have had a hugely detrimental effect on things". The anger and bitterness in your comments. All these things are a manifestation of your hate.

How can you hate a people so much?

Is it jealousy?

It just is noncomprehensible that a man, who obviously has attended school at some point, can completely disregard everything that history and social science have taught us.

When it comes to social issues, you are still the guy screaming "the world is flat".

Try and be a little progressive in your thoughts, sir.

The "bootstraps" shit sounds great. "Hey, ni$$er, help yourself".

But it doesn't work when you can't see ALL the other factors at play.

And YOU can't.

But you will. As we have said, the demographics in this country show a shift of monumental proportions in the coming 25 years.

Try espousing the racist sentiment you do under the 'anonymous' name on here in the open in a few years.

Racists like yourself will be driven deep underground.

You will essentially be swapping lifestyles with the undocumented aliens of today.

Btw, Tiger Woods is not a Negro, by his own admission.Statistically speaking, he is more Asian than Negro. Thanks anyway. Tiger says that he doesn't support athletes who have used performance-enhancing drugs knowingly or unknowingly.